Staten Island Playwright to Give Borough Debut for Phone Sex Comedy

Staten Island playwright Joe Simonelli will put on his comedy "Old Ringers" at the Full Cup. The play tells the story of five senior citizens who start their own home phone-sex line.
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STAPLETON — A Staten Island playwright will give a home borough debut of one of his best known plays about senior citizens who start their own phone-sex line at the Full Cup on Saturday, May 18.

The play, written by Joe Simonelli, is the second in a run of plays he will put on at the venue.

Simonelli, who recently relocated to Staten Island from New Jersey, said he's putting on his best-known work to see how well it works at Full Cup, a café and bar that mainly hosts live music and open mics.

“It’s funny, original stuff on Staten Island. You’re not going to see it anywhere else,” Simonelli said. “It’s a lot of fun and a lot of laughs and the price is right.”

Simonelli said the first show, "With This Ring," was well received at the venue.

"I had a really good run," he said. "It's kind of eclectic."

The play, "Old Ringers," tells the story of five senior citizens who have fallen on hard times financially.

After they get an obscene phone call from a wrong number, they decide to start their own phone-sex line as a good way to make a buck.

“They figure let's open up a home phone-sex line to bring in cash,” Simonelli said. “It’s a pretty funny show.”

The play has been one of Simonelli's most popular since it debuted in 2009. His plays will also be performed around the county this year, and Simonelli's looking for more stages in the borough.

“We have a lot of good community theater now,” he said. "There’s no need to leave if you want to see original theater. Save the toll.”

"Old Ringers" will debut at the Full Cup, 388 Van Duzer St., on May 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, $12 for senior and adults. Reservations are requested, call 732-984-7128. For times, visit the Full Cup's website.

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